CAN THE TRUE TRIBESMEN STAND?

                Identity is an aspect planted in the souls and minds of humans. Every man and woman must find somewhere/something to identify himself/herself with. I find it normal and good to identify with a tribe. I think, doing this, is to do harm or good to no one. For in identifying with my roots I will be sending a message that I belong to a certain group of people. This is more than solidarity. It is an inborn solidarity. The one of shared ancestry or origin. But wait. It is how the people express this solidarity that matters.

                 This therefore takes me to the second step. Is it right to condemn tribalism in totality as a sick animal due to faults of a few men and women? Methinks doing this is reminiscent of punishing kids for the sins of their father. Let me explain why I stand by this.

                  We must distinguish between tribalism and tribesmen/women; good and bad ones (tribesmen/women). Tribalism is to belong to a tribe. It is the social, political and cultural bond of a people. Tribesmen are players. They are the ones that give life/death to tribalism. Tribalism can't stand without them. The former depends entirely on the thinking and doings of the later. 

                   Then there are good "tribalists" and bad "tribalists". The good ones understand the man-to-man relations. They cherish and respect the existence of the other. Their mind is filled with thoughts of brotherhood and love. They believe in the philosophy of man-is-incomplete-without-fellow-man. That man's completeness derives its spirit from acts of tolerance and neighborhood. On the other hand, bad "tribalists" don't subscribe to any social or collective thinking. They believe in demagoguery. This demagogue would rather take the whole population to the east just to secure his personal interests. 

                   True tribalism is centered on sacrifice and victory for all. Not for a select few. This could be the reason why Paul Kagame couldn't seat back and watch his people being killed. He discovered he had a responsibility - one of leading his people out of danger and the jaws of death. And yes he did. 

                    And this therefore begs the questions; who should take care of the orphans in our villages/slums? Who should act as a compass for that illiterate grandma looking for a way out of grinding poverty? Who should stand by the victims of HIV/AIDS? Who should protect our elephants from misguided and dollar-hungry poachers?.....These and many more  make up the recipe for a true and focused "tribalist". And so I ask, can the true tribesmen stand?